Immaculate Conception

Welcome to Immaculate Conception Catholic Community

Immaculate Conception Catholic Community is nestled in the soft rolling hills of San Benito County, California, in the small unincorporated town of Tres Pinos about five miles south of Hollister. The parish extends 'hands and hearts in Christian fellowship' to longtime residents and newcomers alike, and gives thanks for every visitor who comes to the website. The community has worshipped on this site in one form or another since 1892 and continues to serve the rural Catholics of southern San Benito County today.

A Brief History of Immaculate Conception Church

The church building was constructed in 1892 by Father Bernard Smythe on the northeast corner of Quien Sabe Road, across from the present location. The land had been purchased for $75. Tres Pinos, together with the missions of Panoche and New Idria, was established as a parish unit in April of 1904 with Reverend Emile Cota as pastor. Although Tres Pinos was larger and busier at the time, by June of 1925 the community could no longer support a pastor and fulfill all obligations, so the parish was reduced to mission status and attached to Sacred Heart Church in Hollister. The parish was re-established on November 15, 1935.

• 1892 — Church building constructed by Father Bernard Smythe; land purchased for $75.
• December 8, 1892 — First Mass celebrated on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
• April 1904 — Tres Pinos established as an independent parish unit with Rev. Emile Cota as pastor.
• June 1925 — Parish reduced to mission status and attached to Sacred Heart, Hollister.
• November 15, 1935 — Parish re-established.

Ministries

Immaculate Conception maintains a list of lay ministries that keep the parish running and extend its reach into the surrounding community. Parishioners serve at the altar, proclaim the Word, bring Communion to the homebound, and reach out to those in need through dedicated committees.

• Eucharistic Minister
• Lector
• Altar Servers
• Home Bound Eucharistic Ministry
• Caring Committee (service to the needy)
• Homeless Shelter Committee

Sacramental Preparation

The parish walks with families and individuals through the preparation required for each of the seven sacraments. Timeframes and requirements are clearly outlined on the Ministries & Sacramental Preparation page so families can plan ahead.

• Baptism — Preparation begins at least two months in advance; pre-baptismal class on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. for parents and godparents of children under 6.
• Reconciliation — Saturdays 3:45–4:30 p.m. or by appointment.
• Marriage — Preparation begins at least six months before the wedding, starting with an appointment with the pastor; requires a current Baptismal Certificate with notations, a Pre-Nuptial Investigation, attendance at an Engaged Encounter Weekend, and additional meetings with the pastor.
• First Communion and Confirmation — Offered through the Religious Education Program; requires a two-year preparation period.

Religious Education (Faith Formation)

The parish operates a Religious Education Program that prepares children for the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation over a two-year period. Ann Ventura serves as the Director of Religious Education (DRE) and can be reached at the parish office to register children or ask questions about the program.

• Contact: Ann Ventura, DRE — [email protected]
• First Communion and Confirmation require a two-year preparation period

Parish Staff

The parish is served by a small but dedicated staff. Fr. Larry Kambitsch serves as Pastor; Lisa Paterson is the parish secretary; and Ann Ventura coordinates Religious Education. Contact information for each is published on the Contact Us page of the website.

• Fr. Larry Kambitsch — Pastor — [email protected]
• Lisa Paterson — Secretary — [email protected]
• Ann Ventura — Director of Religious Education — [email protected]

Parish Registration

Newcomers to the area and Catholics who wish to make Immaculate Conception their parish home are invited to register. A registration form is available on the parish website and can be submitted electronically to the parish office.

• Online registration form available on the Parish Registration page
• Options include: new parishioner, new address, new phone, request a call, mailing-list signup, Sunday envelopes, or to volunteer in parish ministry

Visit Us — Location & Office Hours

The parish is located only 5 miles south of Hollister in Tres Pinos, California, along historic Airline Highway. The parish office is open weekday mornings to take calls, schedule appointments, and assist with sacramental and registration needs.

• Address: 7290 Airline Highway, Tres Pinos, CA 95075
• Mailing: P.O. Box 247, Tres Pinos, CA 95075-0247
• Office hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (closed Wednesday)
• Hall phone: 831-628-3060
• Fax: 831-628-3602

Bulletins & Documents

Parish bulletins and documents are archived online through the parish website, providing an ongoing record of parish announcements, homilies, and community life.

• Immaculate Conception Bulletin/Document Archive — linked from the home page